Hi Ive planted out Brussels Brococli Cabbage + Cauliflowers.
I covered them in netting to keep off the cabbage whites .... no caterpillars.
But I have noticed small holes + brown bits in the small hearts of my Cauliflowers?
A neighbouring plot holder advised it was cabbage root fly - and I should have planted with collars?
Also advised to use Derris powder and a diluted solution of Jeyes Fluid ????
And to bring in the leaves secure with a band to encouage growth?
Do I throw them away or keep them ?
What can I do?
QuoteBut I have noticed small holes + brown bits in the small hearts of my Cauliflowers?
A neighbouring plot holder advised it was cabbage root fly - and I should have planted with collars?
1) Root fly does not eat holes in the leaves!
If you had these it is unlikely that you would have 'curds'
So forget the Derris dust!
2)
The brown bits!! Have you been watering over the tops of the plants?
Or are there any caterpillars about? you say you haven't but are you sure? these can cause the holes and the brown bits you see!
Regarding closing the leaves with a band!
I wouldn't bother just break one or two leaves in half and bend them over to protect the curds from sun & overhead watering!
Regarding the Jeyes fluid................too late in my opinion for that I find it better to use this (or similar) at planting out time.
http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Brassica%20planting/brassica%20planting.html (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Brassica%20planting/brassica%20planting.html)
I hope this info helps!
As I said above;
QuoteI wouldn't bother just break one or two leaves in half and bend them over to protect the curds from sun & overhead watering!
I took this picture this morning to show you what I mean;
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd27/tgalmanac/July%2010/Cauli.jpg)